Why I Love Google Maps.

Technology never ceases to amaze! Nearly everything around us is automated, check yourself, you could be too. But really, how many times are we presented with a gadget only to use it to the bare minimum. We only use it for the functions it’s built for, yet it there’s so much more we can do with it. I’m a statistic here. I don’t know, call it laziness, lack of curiosity or maybe contentment with what you can do with it in the present – despite you not fully utilizing its other functions.

What’s made me talk about this? Google Maps. All these years, I’ve struggled with directions. I suck at them and I’m in no position to deny that fact. In my mind, when I’m giving the directions they sounds so right and obviously direct, only for the person on the other end to completely get confused by what I’m trying to say. I want to say “turn left” but instead, I finger point the direction and say, “go this way.” I don’t know if it’s a chic thing or not, but that’s how it is in my case. Is your daughter/girlfriend/wife like that? I won’t ask her because she probably thinks she’s a pro at giving directions.

With Google Maps, there’s no more drawing directions on papers, it’s about spotting your location on the map, dropping a pin there and sending it to your visitors via text in the form of a link. They in turn just click open on the link and it takes them directly to where you live via Google Maps. There’s no more arguments or disagreements in the car because the lovely lady on the other side of the phone (app), will tell you what to do –> in 200m turn left. I love it when she does that.

For a long time, we struggled. We would be invited to a place we don’t know of and we would spend a good amount of time trying to figure out where it is on phone or arguing which turns to make or not to make – it’s consuming – energy-wise and time-wise. Especially how directions arguments eventually become an accusation at some point –> “But I told you it’s not that way”, “I told you it was that way and you ignored”, “you just missed the turn”, “just concentrate and look for that bill board/post – co-driver looks down for a second and the board is a far distance from the rear mirror.” The struggle is real.

One day, our lovely friends (The Ngigi’s) introduced us to Google Maps. They dropped us a pin – via text. It was in the form of a link and we were absolutely clueless on how to go about it. We opened it but then what? So we of course didn’t manage to use it. We got lost, argued along the way but eventually got there. Not knowing the directions can make you change your mind about visiting a place. For that reason, on arriving, the first thing we did was get some Google Maps 101 from our friends. How the hell do we use it this frigging invention? It’s a driver’s little heaven on earth, and the co-drivers sigh of relief.

From then on, we’re Google Map evangelists. It’s quite simple actually. Let me show you how to use it in 5 simple steps:

Step 1: Go to Google Maps on your phone Menu.

Step 2: Under search, click on the arrow that looks like a direction beside it. This is so that it maps your location (My location).

Step 3: Enter your Destination point – where you want to go.

Step 4: Activate your GPS (it’s right next to where you adjust your sound or activate Mobile Data and WiFi). This is for it to map the path from your location to your destination, like below.

Step 5: Start Navigation (see that arrow on the image above) – then let the lady on the other side of the app take you where you want to go. Apparently, most if not all our roads are well mapped, so even if you want to go to up country or off road, you’re good to go (these are very layman terms by the way).

God forbid that we never have a phone without Google Maps, because the reliance is a bit too much now. On that note, we established that Google needs to do some user education on the use of some of their applications. They seem easy once you grasp the concept, but before you do, it’s an uphill task. One that we humans are at first too skeptical to take, until we realize how much it’ll save us. And that’s why I love Google Maps!

PS: This is not a sponsored post. It’s just out of the appreciation and love of it. Evangelist things!

Signing Off ~~~ *Kawi*

Related

Kawiria Rincuni (Kawi) is lady with a bright and bubbly personality, who’s passionate about creating social content that positively inspires and impacts people, and most of all, interacting with people in a way that will create more value in their lives.

Mwrigi, thanks for passing by. I’ll definitely check it out. I feel like asking you if it’s like Google Maps, then again since you’ve shared the link, let me find out for myself. Will let you know what I think of it.

Connect & Stay Inspired

Join the list to get a dose of Kawi Snippets as and when we post via Email.